In early November, Jones was attacked by pit bulls in his own back yard. Neighbors who heard his screams ran to his rescue and had to fight off the dogs using a bat and large sticks. The boy -- a student at Yale Elementary School -- suffered serious injuries to his face, throat and legs, and he had to have one arm amputated.

"The concern is that the parent has a responsibility to keep the child safe, and harboring these type of animals, under the circumstances in which they were kept, presented a danger to the child," said police spokesman Marcus Dudley.

Four pit bulls, including two of the dogs that were involved in the attack, were removed from the home and are still in Aurora's animal shelter, pending the outcome of the case. The third pit bull involved in the attack was euthanized after a police officer shot at it and wounded it.

The police investigation into the incident was extensive and included, among other evidence, consultation with animal behavior experts, police said.

The felony charge carries a penalty of four to 12 years in prison, said Mike Knight, chief investigator for the 18th Judicial District attorneys office.

The district attorneys office is reviewing the recommendations and will likely file charges against Muniz and Carson early next week, said DA spokeswoman Kathleen Walsh.

Carson has been arrested for misdemeanor assault, disturbing the peace and interference with an officer, the Aurora Daily Sun reported . Muniz has no criminal record, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

The Aurora City Council recently banned new pit bulls and imposed strict requirements on pit bulls already in the city. Animal Care began licensing pit bulls Dec. 1 for $200 and owners must comply with insurance and safety rules.